Generative exploration

Aqua Regia for Soils and Sediments

Aqua regia digestion with super trace ICP-MS analysis provides extremely low detection limits useful for regional and deep cover exploration. The rare earth elements and lead isotope concentrations add new dimensions to super trace data. REEs may be useful pathfinders despite reflecting only the labile component, while Pb isotopic signatures can be used in fingerprinting and hydrothermal fluid history.

Hydrogeochemistry

Trace metal analysis in ground and surface waters can reveal mineralization-related anomalies in areas where traditional soil sampling is difficult or impossible, such as swampy terrain, desert, and agricultural disturbance. ALS offers a reliable and cost-effective water analysis package with optional anions by ion chromatography and a full suite of physical parameters. Trace elements and metals require at least 50mL water. Anions and physical parameters require at least 500mL water. Sampling kits may be purchased in some locations, please enquire.

Biogeochemistry

Plants may be viewed as large-scale geochemical sampling devices, with root systems that can selectively absorb elements from a large volume of soil, groundwater, and even bedrock. Careful selection of plant species is important as biological effects control geochemical response. ALS provides additional vegetation preparation services such as separating the plant parts of interest from waste material. Please contact your local lab to discuss your specific project goals.

Halogen Analysis

Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine hold significant promise in exploration, since many metals are transported through the crust as halide complexes in hydrothermal fluids.
Soil, vegetation or water may be analyzed by this method.

Ionic Leach™

Ionic LeachTM is designed to enhance the most subtle labile geochemical anomalies for a wide range of commodities. It is a static sodium cyanide leach using the chelating agents ammonium chloride, citric acid and EDTA with the leachant buffered at an alkaline pH of 8.5. Nominal sample weight is 50g (wet weight, no screening). Prepared vegetation samples may be leached at a 5g sample size.

Four Acid Super Trace Analysis

This super trace package is suitable for regional drilling, trenching and hand samples in unmineralized rocks, and can also be used effectively in areas of thick regolith for bedrock mapping. ALS has lowered the detection limits on key pathfinder elements such as As, Sb, Se and Tl to near or below average crustal abundance, revealing anomalous patterns at levels previously unattainable due to technical limitations. The rare earth elements and lead isotopes are available as add-ons to expand the utility of the method in greenfields exploration.